Genomics is poised to revolutionize cancer treatment. Whole genome sequencing is becoming more rapid, accurate, and affordable, and the ability to use genomic data to match biologically based therapy to an individual is becoming a reality. As the sequencing endeavor transitions from a heroic effort performed by a dedicated team for a particular patient to a routine component of most, if not all, cancer diagnoses, standards for acquiring appropriate tissue samples also must evolve. This is necessary because an individual's native (germline) genome must be compared with the genome of the tumor.